Archive for the ‘Careers’ Category

It is always a pleasure to engage with the students of Wilmington, Ohio. The R+L Carriers Hometown Showcase hauler was welcomed at the Wilmington College – Spring Career Fair which took place Wednesday, April 18, 2018. It may not have felt like Spring, but despite the unseasonably cold temperatures, we successfully delivered a preview of professional life and various career opportunities with R+L Carriers.

Wilmington College – Career Fair

Displayed outside of Herman Court, the R+L Carriers Hometown Showcase hauler and recruiting team weathered the snow flurries while speaking with students of Wilmington College who were excited to tour the hauler, participate in a scavenger hunt and take our career exploration survey.

Wilmington College Career Services

Nina Talley, Director of Career Service at Wilmington College was kind enough to talk to us about how students prepare for the workforce before, during, and after graduation. Ms. Talley shared her expertise and helped us understand what qualities are most attractive to a potential employer when new graduates set out on their professional career path.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That’s the question adults ask you frequently as a child. The future is now though. Now is the time to answer that question and settle into a future career that you love. At R+L Carriers, we have a variety of job openings nationwide. Follow our road map to learn how to choose a career path that works for you.

Learn how to choose a career path that works for you.

How to Choose a Career Path? Self Examine

A good place to start is to look at yourself and find two or three of your strengths you enjoy. These can be your hobbies, communications skills, academic skills, or any other attributes you enjoy. Think about which careers can utilize your strengths and attributes on a daily basis. By using a search engine or asking those around you, such as a school advisor or a counselor, you can discover different career paths.

Consider Trade Schools

If you know you want to be an electrician or work with the automotive industry, then a trade school is an option that you may want to look into. Trade schools offer great opportunities to learn trades that are in high demand and pay extremely well. Trade schools provide you with a specific skill in less time than it takes to obtain a four-year college degree. These skills are generally related to more “hands-on” types of jobs. If you have a more concrete idea of what you want to do, then a trade school might be the best option for you.

Diesel mechanics are a great example of a career that is in high demand, pays well and can be taught at a trade or vocational school.

Explore College Options

College is a great place to explore and develop your strengths and gain an understanding of yourself. It is normal for students to pick a major and decide on a profession, only to graduate with a completely different degree. Over the course of four years, you become very independent since you are finally able to make decisions on your own. This newfound independence can influence your career path.

Networking Works

Connections are important. You can use the connections you make during trade school or college as assets after you graduate and are looking for a career. Connections can be your colleagues, professors, or internship bosses. Many of these people want to see you succeed and will help you in any way they can. These lifelong networking connections can give you advice when you have questions and offer support while you are going through this journey.

Follow our road map to learn how to choose a career path that works for you.

Apply Now

Do you know how to choose a career path now? When you are ready, R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open positions in logistics, technology and in our garages nationwide for positions such as diesel mechanics. Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both challenging and fun. R+L Global Logistics is made up of the best transportation specialists in the industry and is seeking to fill a variety of positions too.

When you are ready for a position in a company that values fun and family, apply today for a position at our R+L Career Center.

Are you a diesel mechanic looking for a company with the right tools and values you need to succeed in the industry? At R+L Carriers, we have a variety of diesel mechanic jobs and other job openings nationwide. We are always looking to fill those positions with responsible and trustworthy employees that exemplify our values. Our Wilmington, Ohio-based tractor foreman Duane has the 10 reasons why you might be the perfect fit for a truck mechanic job with R+L Carriers.

R+L Carriers has a variety of diesel mechanic jobs and other job openings nationwide.

We Run the Latest in Mechanic Equipment

“We run the latest in mechanic computer technology,” Duane says. “We have the most up to date computer diagnostic programs and the latest in manufacturer supplies too.”

On the Job Experience Lives Here

Duane really appreciates how his co-workers are willing to teach new employees everything they need to be successful.

“This is a place where on the job experience is important,” Duane says. “Your coworkers want to see you succeed.”

Watch our video below to learn more about the R+L Carriers mechanic family.

24-Hour Operation Allows for Flexibility

Mechanics don’t stop working because our trucks never stop driving. Our mechanic shops are 24-hour operations that offer three shifts. Shifts run from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

“Seniority takes precedence over the day shifts but in the meantime, the other shifts allow employees to spend time with family and provide flexibility for personal time,” Duane says.

Advancement Opportunities Abound Here

Movin’ on up. That’s a growing trend when it comes to diesel mechanic jobs.

“The more you learn from others and the more certifications you have, your opportunities within the mechanics shop grow,” Duane says.

The more skills you have, the more you will see in your paycheck courtesy of a tiered pay scale.

Every Day is Different

If you are the type of person that loves the unique challenges of a new day, then an R+L Carriers mechanics career is the right path for you.

“Sometimes, your day can turn on a dime,” says Duane, describing that a diesel or tractor mechanic can be taken off a job at a moment’s notice to help a truck driver get back on the road. “You might have to fix an air conditioner in a truck immediately or stop everything to fix an urgent engine problem. Every day is different.”

Build Trucks from the Ground Up

Are you the type of diesel mechanic that likes working on every aspect of a truck? The mechanic shops in Wilmington, OH, Atlanta, GA, Philadelphia, PA and Dallas, TX are responsible for building and repairing trucks.

“We build (trucks) from the ground up at these locations,” Duane says. “We can do it all.”

Enjoy a Tiered Pay Scale

The more skills you have, the more you will see in your paycheck courtesy of a tiered pay scale.

“The more you know and the more class certifications you have, the more you will benefit from a tiered pay scale,” Duane says.

Pick from a Variety of Mechanic Shop Locations

A perk of applying for a mechanic position with a nationwide trucking company is we have available positions in more than 80 mechanic shops from coast to coast. Pick and choose where you want to live and work.

Just one of the perks that comes with being an R+L Carriers mechanic is access to company resorts.

Enjoy Vacation at Company-Owned Resorts

Just one of the perks that comes with being an R+L Carriers mechanic is access to four company resorts in Pigeon Forge, TN, Wilmington, OH, Big Bear Lake, CA and Daytona Beach, FL. These resorts are available to all mechanics after six months of service. Mechanics are also able to participate in the company’s 401K plan with matching contributions after one year of service with the company.

Enjoy a Family-Owned Company Atmosphere

Duane, an employee of R+L Carriers for 18 years, says if you want to work for one of the largest trucking companies in the world “and not be treated like a number on the wall,” you want to be a member of the R+L Carriers family.

Apply for Diesel Mechanic Jobs Today

R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open diesel mechanics jobs, as well as trailer and tire mechanics positions. Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, we offer a work environment that is fun and challenging. R+L Carriers is comprised of the best diesel, trailer and tire mechanics in the business and is seeking to fill a variety of mechanics positions at more than 80 locations nationwide.

If you’re looking for a mechanic position in a company that values family and fun, apply today for a position at our R+L Career Center.

Is the logistics industry right for you? With more than 1 million logistics job openings expected by 2017, you better believe it! Logistics jobs are expected to grow 22 percent a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is twice the average growth rate when compared to other occupations! Read our top 10 reasons to join the logistics industry so you don’t miss out on your true calling.

Logistics industry employees work on the front lines and behind the scenes to make sure your goods move seamlessly.

The Logistics Industry is Versatile

Logistics careers cater to a variety of people with different types of skill sets, regardless of education level or experience. Whether you are good with your hands or like to crunch numbers, the logistics industry has you covered.

A sampling of logistics industry job titles and descriptions include:

Technology Specialists work on integration software and sites that are needed to keep the logistics machine humming smoothly.

Marketing Specialists help brainstorm and implement new marketing campaigns and strategies for logistics services.

Truck Drivers, Fork Lift Operators and Warehouse Workers, among others, are all valuable parts of the logistics team as well.

Logistics Jobs are Booming

The numbers keep rising. The logistics industry is looking to fill approximately 1.4 million logistics jobs by 2018. In today’s increasingly competitive job market, that makes the logistics industry one you should be targeting.

Logistics is a Collaborative Environment

Logistics employees, known as logisticians, typically work for a business or organization’s supply chain. The supply chain is made up of many people in the organization working together to move a product, service, and related information from a supplier to a customer. The logistics team works in tandem with the customer to transfer their product from Point A to Point B safely and cost effectively. Employees work both on the front lines and behind the scenes to make sure the goods on the supply chain move seamlessly.

Learn New Skills

Skills that you will learn in the logistics industry that transfer to other fields include workflow optimization, general management, financial planning and forecasting.

The logistics industry has employment opportunities available for everyone.

Job Descriptions Vary

Do you like a challenge? Do you enjoy working a variety of projects? Then the logistics industry is for you. You will stay busy, your work is always interesting and every day is different.

Logistics Careers Pay Well

Logisticians get paid well. In 2015, the median annual salary for logisticians was $74,260, with the lowest-paid 10 percent earning $45,830 and the highest paid 10 percent earning $115,960.

Less Competition for New Jobs

The potential for those with technology backgrounds is in high demand. Many techies don’t know there are great opportunities for them at logistics companies. That means there is less competition for jobs, so go ahead and submit that resume.

Techies are Coveted in the Logistics Industry

The logistics industry is craving those with backgrounds in technology. Software developers, software testers and programmers are in high demand for logistics companies that develop software used for transportation to streamline the logistics supply chain.

Work Locations are Around the Globe

Companies with large logistics chains have offices in multiple cities, states across the country or around the world. That means you have the freedom to choose where you want to work and live.

The logistics industry supply chain is working seamlessly at all times to keep goods moving.

Advancements Abound

Do you like to get recognized for your achievements? There are opportunities for promotions at a quick pace in the logistics industry. Logistics companies promote from within often because they want to keep the employees that know their supply chain operation inside-and-out.

Apply Now

R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open positions in logistics and technology among other positions. Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, we offer a work environment that is fun and challenging. R+L Global Logistics is comprised of the best transportation specialists in the industry and is seeking to fill a variety of positions.

If you’re looking for a position in a company that values family and fun, apply today for a position at our R+L Career Center.

Interviewing isn’t easy. It’s an even more difficult challenge when your first impression as a soon-to-be college graduate is at a job fair, where you have just five minutes to impress a recruiter and stand out in a sea of wannabe EDI, .Net, Web and Oracle developers. To impress those recruiters, we have 11 interview questions for which you need to know how to answer immediately to impress.

To impress recruiters, we have 11 interview questions for which you need to know how to answer immediately to impress.

Why Do You Want to Get Into This Field?

Answer this question with sincerity and explain why you truly want to get into this line of work. Maybe you took apart a computer when you were six-years-old or you were messing with website coding before you could ride a bike on two wheels. Make a recruiter laugh and show them your personality with this question.

What Do You Love to Do?

Be frank with your interviewer and tell them what you are passionate about to help them realize your true calling. Allow them to picture the type of projects you’ll be assigned.

Have You Led People Before on a Team?

Can you see yourself leading a team to bring a project to completion? If you like being a member of a team but don’t picture yourself being a leader, there is no shame in that. This is your opportunity to help an employer see where you fit on a team and if you have aspirations of being a future leader. There are spaces for everyone on the team so do not sweat over this question.

Where Would You Like to be in 10 Years?

The question that makes you want to groan, right? “I haven’t even finished college yet, so how can I answer this?” We know. Employers are seeking an answer that shows you have a clear career plan and a vision for your future. They also want to see if you are loyal, reliable and serious about your job search. Answer this question without hesitation and they will be impressed.

Answer questions with sincerity and explain why you truly want to get into this line of work.

What Programs Do You Like Best?

This is the easiest question of the day right here. Have a list of programs and software you enjoy working with in the back of your mind and let it rip. You might even impress a recruiter with your knowledge and earn bonus points.

Do You Have a Website or Portfolio?

If your answer is no, you are not ready for this interview. Employers aren’t looking for a long and detailed website or portfolio, but at the very least, you should have a website where recruiters can go to view some of your work or a detailed resume to show you are serious and planning for your career.

What Do You Do Better than Anyone Else?

A recruiter is trying to identify quickly what you like to do with this question. Recruiters don’t want you to list false strengths here. Be real and outline your skills so they can picture you as part of their team.

Do not be afraid to boast about what you love and what you think is your specialty when answering interview questions. Are you an Oracle Master or a .Net Ninja? Make it known here and watch the smile come over the recruiter’s face as you earn a positive checkpoint on their clipboard.

Answer this question with sincerity and explain why you truly want to get into this line of work.

How Do You Feel When You Are Faced with Adversity?

We all know that as developers we work in a business of trial and error. Not everything works right the first time. Stay calm and explain to an employer how you deal with stressful situations. Give them an example of how you overcome adversity during a college project so they can picture you overcoming the same issues with their company.

How Do You Collaborate with Coworkers Having Different Skillsets?

Recruiters want to make sure you can work well with others. They also want to know you are not threatened if someone else challenges your work in order to come to the best conclusion for the sake of a project’s best outcome.

At the end of the day, technology and logistics employees work together as a team to bring projects to fruition and get the job done. You should have a positive answer to this question to show you can be a team player.

Apply Now

R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open positions in technology and logistics. We have a need for EDI, .Net, Web and Oracle Developer positions along with other career opportunities. Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both fun and challenging.

If you’re looking for a position in a company that values family and fun, apply today for a position at our R+L Career Center.

If you are new to resume writing it is important you avoid these six common resume mistakes to catapult your resume to the top of a recruiter’s list.

R+L Carriers has hundreds of available positions listed on our website at any given time, so you can imagine we receive thousands of resumes from potential candidates. Our recruiters will tell you that the resume is arguably the most important document you will ever craft in your life. For new grads, it holds the key to your future and acts as the gateway from student to career. If you are new to resume writing it is important you avoid these six common resume mistakes to catapult your resume to the top of a recruiter’s list.

Formatting is Everything

Whether your resume is being uploaded into an employee website system or you are handing it over in person, formatting is everything. The following formats should be consistent throughout the resume:

Font types

Font sizes

Bulleted items

Dates

Formatting inconsistencies make it hard for an employer to read your resume because it is distracting. It also looks sloppy, and if your resume is sloppy you can be perceived as a less qualified candidate.

Formatting Tip: PDF files work best and give you the least chance of losing formatting when resumes are uploaded.

Your Expected Graduation Date is Missing

Are you a go-getter heading to a career fair to talk to employers, but you still have a year left to go until graduation? While employers appreciate the fact you want to know more about their company, they want to know upfront that you are not a graduate they can hire right now. List the date of your expected graduation prominently on your resume. Also mention to employers that you are seeking a moment of their time at a career fair to prepare for next year. This gives employers a heads up that they should not spend too much time on you this year, but they will be prepared for you next year because you valued their time and you made a good impression a year ago.

Avoid these six common resume mistakes to have success with your next job opportunity.

Keep Your Higher Education Brief

Your degree, your college and your GPA are all important resume points. List your degree, your related accreditations and internships that beef up your degree. Keep the higher education section brief. When you start listing your high school honor roll and how you ran your own delivery service as a high school senior, you have already lost them.

Hello? Include Contact Information Please

You would be surprised how many resumes are submitted without contact information. Do not make employers search for a contact phone number or email on your cover letter, in an email, or somewhere else besides your resume. That grave mistake will have them searching for someone that is easier to reach.

Keep It Short

We live in a world where the average American skims an article headline online and decides within two seconds if the intro is worth a few extra minutes of their time to click and read. The same can be said for employers looking at resumes. Most employers will know within seconds if they should keep you at the top of the pile by what you have on the first page of the resume.

Keep your points short, sweet and to the point. The resume should be no longer than two pages. If you have a resume that is longer than two pages, you have a book that needs some serious editing.

A few slips of the spelling and grammar tongue typically have an employer throwing your resume into the waste basket.

Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

You would be surprised how many college graduates have misspellings in their resumes, cover letters and even email headers. A few slips of the spelling and grammar tongue typically have an employer throwing your resume into the waste basket. Avoid common resume mistakes by having someone else read your resume.

Apply Now

R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open positions in technology and logistics. We have a need for EDI, .Net, Web and Oracle Developer positions along with other career opportunities. Family-owned and operated for 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both fun and challenging.

If you’re looking for a position in a company that values family and fun, apply today for a position at our R+L Career Center.

Logistics employees work both behind the scenes and on the front lines to make sure the transport of goods run smoothly.

Is logistics a good career option for you? We’ll give you the logistics career option rundown and explain why it should be at the top of your career choice list.

What is Logistics?

Logistics employees, known as logisticians, are in charge of a business or organization’s supply chain. The supply chain is a system of organization and people working together to move a product or service from a supplier to a customer. The bottom line: A logistics team works together to get a customer’s product from Point A to Point B cost effectively and safely. It’s like being a travel agent for shipments. Except it takes a team to get the job done. Employees work both behind the scenes and on the front lines to make sure the transport of goods run smoothly.

Logistics Job Duties

Logistics careers cater to several different skill sets. Whether you like to crunch numbers, talk directly with clients, develop technology tools or monitor shipments online, logistics has you covered.

Here’s just a sampling of logistics job titles:

International logistic specialists develop and operate supply chain service offerings, which include air, ocean, trucking and import/export service offerings.

Marketing specialists help brainstorm and implement new marketing campaigns and strategies for logistics services.

Technology specialists work on integration software and sites that are needed to keep the logistics machine humming.

Truck drivers, forklift operators and warehouse workers are all also part of a logistics team. Depending on which part of the logistics chain you’re entering, there’s typically a job for you no matter your education level or experience.

R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open positions in logistics and technology among other positions.

Tech Opportunities with Logistics

Are you a tech junkie? A sucker for software? A programming extraordinaire? Logistics jobs are also ripe for career opportunities in technology. Software developers, software testers and programmers are in high demand for logistics companies that develop software used for transportation to help streamline the logistics process. These technology positions give those with technology backgrounds a new career option they should consider. These jobs allow those with technology backgrounds to use their skills to test software and develop and design software and hardware in a creative-based team work environment.

Logistics Jobs Are Booming

Just look at the numbers. Logistics jobs are expected to grow 22 percent a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s twice the 11 percent average growth rate for other occupations!

Less Competition for Logistics Jobs

While it’s a growing career option, the potential for logistics careers is still relatively unknown for many new grads, especially those graduating with technology backgrounds. What does that mean for you? Less competition for jobs. You’re welcome.

Job Demand is High

The logistics business is looking to fill approximately 1.4 million logistics jobs by 2018, so go get one of those jobs today. In today’s competitive job market, putting logistics job opportunities at the top of your list is a no brainer.

A logistics team works together to get a customer’s product from Point A to Point B cost effectively and safely.

Logistics Jobs Are Exciting

If you hate sitting at your desk all day waiting for the clock to strike 5, you should consider a job in logistics. The variety of work is always interesting and you’ll stay busy throughout your work day. Ask any logistician. Every day is different and exciting.

Advancement Opportunities

Looking to get promoted quickly? There are opportunities for advancement in logistics. Quickly. Companies typically promote from within because current employees already know the ins and outs of their logistics operation.

Work Locations Vary

One of the best perks of working in the logistics industry is the opportunity to live and work in different places. Companies with a large logistics chain typically have offices in multiple cities in multiple states around the country. That gives you the freedom to choose where you want to work and play.

Apply Now

R+L Carriers is seeking to fill open positions in logistics and technology among other positions. Family owned and operated for 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both fun and challenging. R+L Global Logistics is comprised of the best transportation specialists in the industry and is seeking to fill a variety of positions.

If you’re looking for a position in a company that values family and fun, apply today for a position at our R+L Career Center.

Are you a technology lover and a software junkie? Are you seeking direction on which information technology position will best suit your needs? Here’s 5 technology jobs that are in demand and should be on your career short list.

.Net Developer

Is software coding in your blood? Do you have a strong understanding of C# or Java? Then there’s a job waiting for you. A .Net developer position allows you to work as part of a team implementing corporate software development initiatives. .Net developer positions vary with each company. At R+L Carriers, .Net developers develop enterprise web applications using C#, Oracle, web services and messaging.

.Net developers are tough to find. Those that have a firm grasp of the .Net platform and can use it to solve business problems will go far.

Web Designer

A web designer develops and maintains web sites for clients and companies. Web designers are also responsible for fixing and coming up with solutions to web site problems. Web designers must be creative and technical at the same time. Web designers must be able to make a web site functional and easy to use while also making it creative and visually appealing. Web designers should also have some HTML and design experience.

You must be a fast learner who thrives on meeting deadlines and a master problem solver to enjoy the thrill of this job.

IT Project Manager

Is paying attention to detail one of your strong suits? Project managers document business requirements while overseeing the design, development, testing and deployment of enterprise applications. Some of the work project managers perform include:

Developing and maintaining a work breakdown structure

Developing and maintaining project schedules

Interfacing with business stakeholders and developers

Managing projects and seeing them through to completion on schedule

If you are goal oriented and enjoy working with teams to build things, then a project manager position is likely for you.

There are five technology jobs that will help you cross the career finish line.

IT Business Analyst

Business analysts act as a communication bridge between an Information Technology Department and business stakeholders. They must be great communicators that translate stakeholder business needs into IT requirements.

Even better? Business analysts don’t necessarily need a technology background to apply. What you do need is a basic understanding of technology and an attitude that screams: Problem solver business analyst ninja!

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality counts. Software geeks that care about their products and have attention to detail that matches the requirements should consider a quality analyst position. They must have well-developed critical thinking skills that allow them to be great software testers and problem solvers. Job duties include testing strategies, troubleshooting websites and software applications and preparing detailed documentation of issues. Your skill level should be high in these areas to be a master quality analyst:

Active listening

Writing skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Complex problem solving

Programming

Reading comprehension

Apply For Technology Jobs Now

R+L Carriers is looking for talented information technology recruits for all five of these top technology jobs mentioned above. R+L Carriers has grown from one truck to a fleet of more than 5,500 trucks and 13,000 trailers. Family owned and operated for more than 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both fun and challenging. If you’re looking for technology jobs in a creative and a team-oriented work environment, apply today for a position in our IMT Department at careers.rlcarriers.com/imt.

The Pat Summitt Dedication Plaza at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville was dedicated in 2014.

Respect yourself and others. Make hard work your passion. Handle success like you handle failure.

These are tenets that any workplace values. Those tenets, however, are just a few of a dozen tenets championed by legendary University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers Basketball Head Coach Pat Summitt, who passed away June 28, 2016 at age 64 from complications of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

For R+L Carriers Director of Application Management Russ Boone and his daughter, Gabrielle, the college basketball coach with the most (both men and women) wins in college basketball history affected both their personal relationship and their professional lives in a positive way.

“The teamwork concepts that sports teach you and that Pat Summitt stressed every day are critical to success in any area of your life,” Russ said.

On Becoming a Pat Summitt Fan

The principles of Pat Summit trickled down to both her basketball players and outside of that orange and white basketball court while she won eight national titles and 1,098 games in her 38 years on the Lady Vols sidelines. For players and fans, Summitt’s presence and demeanor on the court, along with her dozen tenets to live by, titled “Pat’s Definite Dozen,” changed lives and inspired those in the workplace.

Gabrielle Boone was a center/forward for her local high school team, helping lead her team to two sectional titles.

An avid sports fan and a former youth league and high school soccer coach, Russ hoped his daughter would appreciate his love of sports, particularly men’s college basketball. When she became interested in women’s college basketball, the longtime fan of the men’s University of Kentucky Wildcats did what any good dad does. He got involved in the team that interested his daughter.

“I told my then teenage daughter during the 2005-06 season that if the Lady Vols reached the next round of the NCAA tournament and played in Cleveland, I would take her,” Russ said.

Summitt and the Vols made it to the next round and dad made good on his promise.

The result? Both father and daughter were hooked, becoming lifelong Pat Summitt and Lady Vols fans. While the team lost in Ohio that year, the Boones started making annual trips to Knoxville to see the Lady Vols play on their home court.

“I remember thinking, this place is sold out and this is an amazing experience in a sea of orange and white,” Russ said. “Then I remember thinking, the intensity and passion that Pat Summitt had for the game and how it affected her players and how they played was amazing.”

Gabrielle had a love at first sight moment during the 2005-06 season when she saw the Lady Vols play earlier in the season at The Ohio State University and then later in the NCAA tournament game with her dad in Cleveland.

“It was just an unbelievable experience to watch them play and watch Pat Summitt coach from the sidelines,” Gabrielle said.

Besides the annual trips to Knoxville, Dad also made a promise that they would drive anywhere within an 8-hour driving radius to see them play in the NCAA tournament when they could.

By that time, Gabrielle had become a center/forward for her local high school team, helping lead her team to two sectional titles.

Meeting Pat Summitt

Gabrielle Boone got to meet her role model, Tennessee Lady Volunteers Coach Pat Summitt, in the summer of 2007 at a basketball camp in Knoxville.

Gabrielle’s best basketball memories are the summers of 2007 and 2008, when she attended back to back high school Lady Vols summer basketball camps where Pat Summitt made appearances and talked with attendees. Gabrielle got to learn drills, scrimmage, meet the players and more importantly, meet Pat Summit. Gabrielle has an autographed basketball and shoe from Pat Summit that she proudly displays in her home.

“At camp, Pat always stressed that being a better person is more important than basketball and to surround yourself with good people,” Gabrielle said.

Russ remembers that during the first year of the camp, the attendees participated in a Lady Vols trivia session and received prizes for answering trivia questions correctly.

“It wasn’t too long before Gabrielle was shut down from answering the questions because she was winning all the prizes,” Russ said. “She knew every single answer.”

Gabrielle remembers being able to list the freshman players for the roster that coming season at the trivia session, which shocked those running the session.

“I started feeding answers to the other girls at camp so they could win something,” Gabrielle said.

Summitt’s Influence in the Workplace

Today, 24-year-old Gabrielle is a proud five-year member of the U.S. Air Force. A Staff Sergeant at the Whiteman Air Force Base Command Post in Missouri, Gabrielle is the eyes and ears of the base for her Wing Commander, working as the Non-Commissioned Training Officer to train those in service on how to do their job on the base.

Gabrielle keeps the original copy of Pat’s Definite Dozen she received at the camp on her refrigerator and says Pat Summitt’s reach has affected both her family and her professional life.

“Sports, the Lady Vols and Pat Summitt have been a major bonding experience for my dad and I,” Gabrielle said.

And professionally?

“Military leaders talk about the same value points that are listed in Pat Summitt’s Definite Dozen,” Gabrielle said. “I look at that sheet every day on my refrigerator to remind me of those values.”

Gabrielle points to some examples as to why Pat Summitt was her role model.

“She never compromised her morals to win games, even though she won more than anyone,” said Gabrielle, noting that Pat Summitt was never afraid to pull a player from the starting lineup of a big game for breaking a team rule, even star players like Candace Parker.

Today Gabrielle Boone is a proud five-year member of the U.S. Air Force. She is a Staff Sergeant at the Whiteman Air Force Base Command Post in Missouri.

Pat Summitt also mandated that all of her players sit in the first three rows of college classrooms throughout her career. The result? A 100 percent graduation rate for her Lady Vols players over 38 years.

For Russ, Pat Summitt will never be forgotten in his personal or professional life either.

“Having Pat Summitt as a role model made it a lot better for my daughter, not just for sports, but to teach her how to apply those principles to her life on a daily basis,” Russ said. “Coach Summitt stressed career success through hard work, teamwork and communication.”

Interested in working for a company that allows for career success through similar principles taught by Pat Summitt? We are seeking to fill open positions in logistics and technology, among other positions. Family owned and operated for more than 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both fun and challenging.

If you’re looking for a position in a company that values family, a strong work ethic and fun, apply today for a position at careers.rlcarriers.com.

We have 4 tips to help you decide what kind of company work environment will make you happy.

Your graduation day is around the corner and you’re about to head into the work force. Full Time. You’re going to be spending between 40-50 hours a week at work, meaning you’ll be spending more time with co-workers than most family members or college friends soon. Once you take a deep breath and let that sink in, you’ll realize a company’s culture has a lot to do with how happy you’ll be during those hours. Here’s 4 tips to help you decide what kind of company work environment will make you happy.

Check the Company’s Web Site

Part of your job interview research includes checking out the company’s web site. When you’re doing your research, look for dedicated pages that explain what the company does, explains who they are and their values and company culture. Many company web sites have these pages buried in and around the job employment or job openings web pages. Do some digging.

Check the Company Social Media Presence

You’ll also want to scan a company’s social media accounts. These are great sites to investigate what the company is really doing behind the scenes and what they share with the public. Companies that post get- togethers with employees participating in basketball free-throw tournaments, crazy hat and crazy sock day and other fun rituals might make you realize this is a company that’s able to have a little fun while they work. How open are they to dialogue on the pages too? Are they responding to comments and questions? This will tell you a lot about the company’s philosophy and customer service culture.

Ask Questions During Your Interview

We know you’re prepared for your interview with questions about the company that will impress prospective employers. But dig a little deeper to learn about their culture. Here are some questions to try and find out more:

Describe what working at this company is like?

What’s your favorite part about working here?

How many hours a week do you spend at work?

Do any of you get together after work?

If you’re being interviewed by several different people, make sure you ask these questions and other questions to as many employees as possible so you can get a better feel for the company’s culture.

R+L Carriers is looking for talented software developers among other positions.

You’ll also want to find out as much as possible about the company’s work assignments during your interview. Find out what kind of projects the company is working on to gauge if you’ll be a good fit. Get examples of projects and assess them so you’re comfortable that you can make an impact with the work assignments handed to you.

Movin’ On Up

Not only do you want to find out more about the culture of the company for new hires, but you want to know if you have a future there too. Whether it’s a family-owned or privately owned company, you want to make sure there’s room for you to grow, by exploring options for both technical advancement and achieving leadership roles. Employers are looking for employees that want to grow technically and become more proficient.

Apply Now

R+L Carriers is looking for talented software developers among other positions. Family owned and operated for 50 years, we offer a work environment that is both fun and challenging. If you’re looking for a technology position in a company that values family and fun, apply today for a position in our IMT Department at careers.rlcarriers.com/imt.